I've been looking for a bike to start learning on latley, and i've been seeing 2010 and up 250's that are clean, but those damn skinny tires make it look terrible. it doesn't even look like a sportbike. so lately i've been thinking of gettting an older 600 and learning on that. I'm a bit worried about the power though.

 

Both are good options. How worried are you about that power of the 600? Being a little worried is okay and safe, but terrified is not. Keep in mind, the older bike will most likely need some repair. How comfortable are you with that?

The 250 is a great learner and commuter. The tire is skinny, but it's the right size for that bike. Are you buying it for looks, or to learn how to ride? Do you ever watch moto3? Those guys kick butt on skinny tires!

 

If you have ANY worries about the power, then stay at the 250cc size for now till you get used to 2 wheels. 250's are plenty of power for someone to learn on as well as commute with. As for the tires, don't worry about size while learning ( size matters later in life ). You can always upgrade later. Get yourself the 250 & take the safety class. Ride safe!

 

I started out on a 250 and put about 3000 miles on it. I just picked up a 600 a few months ago and have around 1000 miles on it. I feel I could have easily learned on the 600 and saved the head ache of buying and selling that 250 to learn on. I see a lot of people on this site saying that they have a 600 as their first bike, its all about having a safe mindset and always thinking ahead as you ride.

 

hi and welcome to the forum and the world of 2wheels
as said an older 600 may need work that will help you find your way round the bike,but 250`s are a hoot and well worth a shot

 

Welcome to CBRF... Ahh! The age old question... Newer 250 vs Used 600 for a new rider? I don't think that either is wrong... Your skills will probably develop quicker on the 250 as it is easier to maneuver... but if you are cautious you could also learn on a 600... If you have never ridden any type of motorcycle or scooter or dirtbike or quad, then you may want to take a course where they supply the motorcycle (usually a smaller bike) and teach you on that under controlled, supervised conditions... This will give you a little experience and will better prepare for the future... It will also give you a baseline for your comfort level as to what bike to purchase...

 

I agree with Demon, you need to respect the power of an older 600, not be scared to death of it. If you're scared to death of it, do not get it. You can't be scared of your motorcycle - you'll never learn good habits.


Having said that, I never advise people getting 250's who want to step up to a 600. The power curves are so vastly different that I think people that ride 500's, 650 twins are better equipped to step up to a 600. And the power of 500's and 650 twins are very manageable.


I started on an older 600 (a '95 F3) and I did just fine. If you look at the power curves, even though the older 600s' power curves aren't as aggressive as newer 600's, they're still pretty steep, meaning that in the mid rev range, they do NOT make that much hp.


Now, I want you to compare these two pictures. They're power curves of a 05 600rr and an 03 SV650. When you're new to riding, you probably won't ride into the upper revs at all until you're very comfortable. I never did. I only stuck into the mids, until I was very very comfortable with the bike. Compare the mid ranges of both bikes. On the 600rr, lets say that the midrange is really 5k -9k rpms, and on the SV, it's 3.5k-7k rpms.






If you look at the mid range (where you'll be riding at most of them time when you're new), they're pretty comparable. It's not until WOT and upper RPMs that I4 really starts making power.

Just some food for thought. It's your choice, do what you feel comfortable with, but I really think that the negativity for a 600 as a first bike gets blown out of proportion.



Here's a power curve for an 08 Kawi 250 with modifications mind you. 30hp at full throttle. See how vastly different that is? It's not even in the same ballpark hp/tq wise.

 

Bravo Conrice that was in depth and (in my opinion) very good advice.

 

Hi and welcome to CBRF!

 

i'll be taking an msf course, and most likely be getting a 250. For now.. I'm a small guy, about 6'00 125. And sitting on a 600rr and trying to maneuver it around is difficult for me, i can on;y imagine standing it up.

thank you!